Paraíba reports rising diabetes deaths and new disability status for Type 1

In the state of Paraíba, Brazil, diabetes-related deaths reached 1,198 between January and August 2026, according to the State Health Secretariat (SES-PB). This represents a 6.1% increase compared to the same period in 2025, averaging nearly five deaths per day. Data indicates that Type 2 diabetes accounts for the majority of these fatalities, with 607 deaths recorded in the first eight months of 2026.

In a separate legislative development, a new law published in the Official Gazette of the State of Paraíba now recognizes individuals with Type 1 diabetes as persons with disabilities for legal purposes within the state. Authored by State Deputy Galego Souza, the law grants these individuals the same rights and guarantees provided to people with disabilities under state policies and services. The state executive branch may further regulate the application of this law to establish specific procedures for its execution.